Method and system for providing broadband access to a data network via gas pipes

Abstract

A method and system for providing broadband access to a data network via gas pipes is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention utilize Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM) as a modulation technique in order to protect against the effects of dispersion in the gas pipes. An OFDM transceiver modulates a digital data stream into an OFDM signal, RF up-converts the OFDM signal, and transmits the RF up-converted OFDM modulated signal through a gas pipe.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention is generally directed to broadband access to a data network. More specifically, the present invention is directed to broadband access to a data network via gas mains used for the distribution of natural gas.[0002]Broadband access to a data network refers to transmission of data into and out of the data network at a high data transmission rate. Conventionally, service providers offer broadband access through wired technology, such as cable modem or DSL, or wireless technology, such as satellite or 3G cellular technologies. Many developments have been made in order to increase bandwidth and transmission rates in conventional wired and wireless technologies.[0003]Recently, the use of municipal gas pipes, which distribute natural gas to homes and businesses, has been proposed for broadband access to data networks. By using gas pipes to provide broadband access, it is possible to achieve transmission bandwidths much larger than conve...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention provides a method and system capable of efficiently providing broadband access via gas pipes. Embodiments of the present invention utilize Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM), which are well known, as a modulation technique for transmitting digital data through gas pipes. Since, OFDM and FDM transmit data using a plurality of small frequency bands, instead of a single large frequency band as used in UWB, the effect of waveguide dispersion in the gas pipes is negligible on each of the frequency bands. Thus, digital data streams modulated into OFDM or FDM signals can be transmitted through gas pipes with minimal dispersion.

Problems solved by technology

The present inventor has recognized that that the waveguide dispersion in gas pipes is so severe that Ultra Wideband (UWB), the transmission technology utilized in previously proposed implementations, may not be viable.

Although using UWB signals is technically possible, UWB signals include a broad range of frequencies, and are thus highly susceptible to the effects of waveguide dispersion.

Thus, conventional approaches may not be economically viable because dispersive effects in reasonable lengths of gas pipes will severely limit usable bandwidth.

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